Most of the NFL draft discussion has been centered around Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield...etc. Nothing is wrong with that; they have certainly earned the hype. However, it should be noted that in every QB heavy draft, there's a steal.
In the 2012 draft, we saw three QB's drafted in the top 8. Andrew Luck was chosen 1st, Robert Griffin III was chosen second and Ryan Tannehill was taken 8th. Yet, Russell Wilson was chosen in the middle of the third round. Who has had the better career? I'll go with the QB with two Super Bowl appearances and a ring. There were 4 QB's taken in the top 12 picks of the 2011 draft. Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, and Christian Ponder. But in the sixth round, and pick number 180, the Buffalo Bills drafted Tyrod Taylor. Dak Prescott went in the 4th round of the 2016 draft.
So, the question has to be asked, who is the QB steal of the 2018 draft? Let me make a case for University of Richmond QB, Kyle Lauletta. First, let's compare the similarities of Russell Wilson, Tyrod Taylor and Dak Prescott.
1. They were all overlooked because of lack of arm strength. Many didn't believe Russell Wilson could throw the ball down the field, Dak Prescott's ceiling was labeled as "game manager." While that is certainly legitimate criticism, each of these QB's have found a way to succeed at the professional level despite arm strength.
2. They all completed 60% or better during their college career. One exception can be made for Tyrod Taylor but his was 59.7% during his senior year. One of the most important traits among NFL QB's is accuracy. Kyle Lauletta completed 63% during his career with the Spiders.
3. All have the ability to play outside of the pocket. Wilson and Tyrod have made careers playing outside of the pocket and extending plays. Lauletta has established the same reputation in college. Plus, he's incredibly deadly when in the red-zone, rushing for 12 TD's throughout his career.
Next, let's talk about the intangibles that Lauletta brings to a huddle.
Every scouting report for Kyle has a line about his incredible command in the huddle. The biggest obstacle in the NFL isn't accomplished by throwing the ball a mile, it's what's above the shoulders that makes a different. Kyle is a smart QB, with excellent leadership skill which will translate very well at the NFL level.
He has a super quick release. He was only sacked on average 21 times per season. Part of the reason for that number being so low is Kyle's ability to git rid of the ball incredibly quick. Not only will this enable him to prevent sacks, but it will also draw roughing the passer penalties and prevent injuries from fewer hits.
Lastly, there's nothing automatic about Kyle succeeding at the professional level. Succeeding in the NFL typically depends on a number of things, but fit is most important. There are a list of teams that, I believe, would significantly reduce Kyle's chance of success should he wind up there. Those teams are Buffalo, New York Jets, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Miami. All of these are teams that will need a down field passer for their current roster. All of these need significant help on the offensive line and besides Pittsburgh, they don't have any perimeter threats. On the flip side, there are certain teams where Kyle could not only survive but thrive. New England, Washington, Arizona, Chargers, and Jacksonville. All of these have solid offensive lines, offensive minds on their coaching staff and significant offensive threats.
With all of that said, Kyle's stock on draft day could rise or fall rather quickly. He's projected to go as high as the late second round and as low as the early seventh round. A lot has to go right for a player to last more than three years in the league, but Kyle is drafted by the right team, he could be the steal of the weekend.
